Colorado receives over $25 million for wildlife conservation efforts

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced March 25 that it will distribute $1.1 billion collected from excise tax revenues to fund wildlife conservation efforts and recreation projects across the nation.

“People who enjoy hunting, fishing, boating and recreational shooting provide a strong foundation for conservation funding in this country,” stated Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “The taxes they pay on equipment and boating fuel support critical fish and wildlife management and conservation efforts, create access for recreational boating, and underpin education programs that help get kids outdoors.”

The USFWS is able to appropriate the aforementioned funds through a restoration program which reimburses up to 75 percent of the cost of each eligible state project. States are required to fund a minimum of 25 percent of any conservation project and usually acquire the necessary funds through the sale of fishing and hunting license revenues.

Restorations programs have been in place since 1937 and were set up to conserve fish and wildlife resources and to provide opportunities for people to connect with nature.

“Anyone who enjoys our nation’s outdoor heritage should thank hunters, anglers, recreational boaters and target shooters,” stated Dan Ashe, USFWS director. “Through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, these individuals have created a 75-year legacy for conservation of critical wildlife habitat and improved access to the outdoors for everyone.”

For more information on state restoration programs, goals and accomplishments, visit wsfrprograms.fws.gov.